Chances are you know someone with depression, whether or not you are aware of it. People who are depressed may be at school, at home or in a professional setting, but struggle to share with others the mental anguish they endure. Depression can affect a person’s ability to accomplish everyday tasks, earn a living and take part in relationships with family and friends. Depression can even increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and vice versa.¹ And worse, depression can lead to suicide, which is the second-leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds.¹

While symptoms of depression include persistent sadness and a loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities for at least two weeks, it should not be seen as a sign of weakness. It is treatable! Therapy or antidepressant medication, or a combination of these, are typical remedies. Admissions to mental hospitals and psychiatric wards are increasing in America; however, the proportion of available beds in mental hospitals has decreased, causing a higher turnover rate for admitted patients.²  Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the signs of depression, and to take care of each other — let’s talk.

What can you do if you think you are depressed?¹

• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. Most people feel better after talking to someone who cares about them.
• Seek professional help. Your local health care worker or doctor is a good place to start.
• Remember that with the right help, you can get better.
• Keep up with activities that you used to enjoy when you were well.
• Stay connected. Keep in contact with family and friends.
• Exercise regularly, even if it’s just a short walk.
• Stick to regular eating and sleeping habits.
• Accept that you might have depression and adjust your expectations. You may not be able to accomplish as much as usual.
• Avoid or restrict alcohol intake and refrain from using illicit drugs; they can worsen depression.
• If you feel suicidal, contact someone for help immediately.

What can you do to help those who are depressed?¹

• Be informed about depression and its causes, consequences, prevention and treatment. Learn more at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/.
• Provide support. Encourage the depressed individual to confide in and talk with you.

References:
World Health Organization, “World Health Day – 7 April 2017,” http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2017/en/ (no longer available - see https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/).
World Health Organization, Mental Health Atlas 2014 (Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 2015).